You are just about to take a physics exam. Here are the things you should take note of:
- Read the question!
- More marks – you need to write more!
- What words are used in the question? “State” does not expect the same answer as “Calculate”, etc.
- Try to think which section of the syllabus this question is from. That will help you to recall equations and use appropriate physics words.
- Remember to show as much working as possible.
- Are the values given in the expected unit (SI units) or do you need to convert them first.
- Don’t use abbreviations – write things in full (eg Normal Contact Force, Clockwise, Kinetic Energy, etc) at least the first time you mention them in a question.
- A general answer such as “the current will change” will nearly never be awarded a mark. We would be expecting “the current will get larger”.
- Always write an equation down before substituting (otherwise you’ll never get calculation marks)
- Give all answer to 2 sig. fig. or 3 sig. fig..
- Use the value stored in your calculator try to avoid rounding off multiple times.
- Check your units.
- Final answers should be in decimal format (not fraction).
The following may also help:
- It is often good to look through a paper and attempt a really easy question first. This gives confidence and helps you to relax.
- There is nothing wrong with writing down equations at the start of the exam. Many students do this if they are worried they will forget equation such as v²=u²+ 2as.
- Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, Right Hand Grip rule, etc are there to be used. Don’t be shy about doing them in the exam venue.
- “Explain” in physics doesn’t just mean using words. Feel free to include diagrams, equations or graphs if they will help with your explanation.
